Official: Roberto Leaves Atletico Madrid For Benfica

By Rupert Fryer

The goalkeeper heads to Lisbon...

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Roberto to Portuguese club Benfica.

A statement on the Spanish outfit's official website read:

“On the morning of Friday, June 25, Roberto finalised his move to Benfica of Lisbon, the current champions of Portugal who will play in next season's Champions League. Atletico Madrid wishes to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the player who always defended the club shirt, wishing him well in the new adventure he will begin.”

The 24-year-old custodian, who came through the club’s youth ranks, and had previous stints with Recreativo and Gimnastic, spent last season on loan to Zaragoza and is believed to have cost the Eagles around €8.5 million.

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